☕️ Sam Altman joins Microsoft after OpenAI denied his return as CEO

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Here's the latest tech news from the last 24 hours:

🎪 Sam Altman joins Microsoft after OpenAI denied his return as CEO
👋 OpenAI’s new CEO is Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear
⚠️ Most of OpenAI's staff threatens to quit unless the board resigns
🚗 Cruise CEO resigns amid robotaxi safety concerns and suspended operations
💡 More than 50% of tech workers think AI is overrated, study finds
⛔️ Adobe’s $20 billion bid for Figma in peril after EU warning

🎪 Sam Altman joins Microsoft after OpenAI denied his return as CEOLINK

Microsoft has hired former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman to lead a new advanced AI research team, following Altman's recent dismissal from OpenAI.

This move includes key OpenAI talent like Jakub Pachocki, Szymon Sidor, and Aleksander Madry, indicating Microsoft's significant investment in expanding its AI capabilities.

The development follows Microsoft's recent advances in AI technology, including the creation of custom AI chips, as it continues to deepen its partnership with OpenAI and drive innovation in AI research and applications.

👋 OpenAI’s new CEO is Twitch co-founder Emmett ShearLINK

Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, has been appointed as the interim CEO of OpenAI following the firing of former CEO Sam Altman.

Shear, having resigned as Twitch CEO earlier this year, steps into OpenAI's leadership during a crucial phase post the launch of ChatGPT, amidst escalating internal and external expectations.

As the new leader, Shear plans to hire an independent investigator for the firing process and reform the management and leadership teams, addressing the company's internal challenges and ensuring the continuation of its partnership with Microsoft.

⚠️ Most of OpenAI's staff threatens to quit unless the board resignsLINK

Over 500 OpenAI employees, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever, have demanded the resignation of the current board, threatening to quit if not complied with.

The employees' dissatisfaction stems from the board's handling of the firing of CEO Sam Altman and the subsequent replacement of interim CEO Mira Murati, which they view as counterproductive to the company's interests.

Amidst this turmoil, Microsoft, which has hired former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and others, appears to benefit as it offers positions to all OpenAI employees, with its shares rising in early trading.

🚗 Cruise CEO resigns amid robotaxi safety concerns and suspended operationsLINK

Kyle Vogt, CEO and founder of self-driving company Cruise, resigned following company challenges, including a recent permit suspension in San Francisco.

Cruise halted operations nationwide and initiated safety reviews after a robotaxi accident led to a regulatory crackdown and public safety concerns.

The company is undergoing leadership changes, with Cruise’s vice president of engineering taking over as president and no interim CEO appointed.

💡 More than 50% of tech workers think AI is overrated, study findsLINK

Over half of tech industry participants (51.6%) in Retool's State of AI survey regard AI as overrated, suggesting skepticism within the field.

Upper management showed the most optimism about generative AI as a cost-cutting tool, while regular employees expressed concerns about its overvaluation and implementation challenges.

Despite the doubts, 77.1% reported their companies making efforts to integrate AI, highlighting its recognized potential to significantly impact jobs and industries in the coming years.

⛔️ Adobe’s $20 billion bid for Figma in peril after EU warningLINK

EU regulators have officially raised an antitrust complaint against Adobe's $20 billion acquisition of Figma, suggesting it may reduce competition in the design tool market.

The European Commission issued a statement of objections and believes Figma could become a significant competitor on its own, with a final decision due by February 5th.

Adobe has begun phasing out its similar design app, Adobe XD, which the Commission views as a potential "reverse killer acquisition," while global regulatory investigations continue.

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